Warnings in effect as heat wave begins

PHILADELPHIA — Heat warnings and advisories are in effect across much of eastern Pennsylvania as temperatures are heading back into the 90s.

An excessive heat warning is in effect for Philadelphia and surrounding counties through Friday, with little relief in sight.

A heat advisory is in effect for Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties from noon until 8 p.m. every day. Montgomery and Chester counties have issued Code Red hot weather health warnings. Montgomery County’s Code Red extends from Monday through Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. all days.

Montgomery County advised seniors to seek shelter during the hottest part of the day at senior adult activity centers, malls and libraries.

Cooling centers have been opened around the area to assist those who lack an air-conditioned space to cool down. The Montgomery County Human Services Center at Fornance and DeKalb streets in Norristown is a designated cooling site for residents who cannot access other sites.

Homeless residents can escape the heat at the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) on the Norristown State Hospital grounds (610-292-9244), at the Norristown Ministry’s Hospitality Center (610-277-1321) during their hours of operation, at the Norristown office of the Salvation Army (610-275-4183), or at the Pottstown office of the Salvation Army (610-326-1621).

The Good Samaritan Shelter in Phoenixville is keeping its shelter open all day for current residents. It has limited ability to take in the general public (610-933-9305).

The National Weather Service says temperatures in the mid-90s and dew points around 70 will send heat index values up to about 100 degrees. The hottest period will be between 2 and 6 p.m.

Heat advisories are in place in areas further west of the city, including Reading and Allentown.

Forecasters are expecting the heat to continue through Friday and possibly Saturday as a stationary high pressure system remains to the south of the area. The worst of the heat could come Thursday and Friday. Temperatures are forecast to dip Sunday.

The weather service advises area residents to avoid being out in the heat and sun for too long and not to leave pets or children in parked cars as the interior temperatures could prove fatal.

People who are out in the heat for too long a period of time could suffer from heat exhaustion, fatigue, muscle cramps, or sunstroke. The weather service advised those who are working outdoors to restrict their activities to early morning or late afternoon, wear light loose-fitting clothing, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

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